Second Trimester To-Do List

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by Lindsay Hutton

Welcome to your second trimester! As you continue to adjust to pregnant life (and your growing belly), use this list for tips on what to check off during this phase, from buying a crib to planning your maternity leave.

Learn About Your Upcoming Tests and Appointments

At this stage, you'll likely be seeing your doctor every four weeks. Now is the time your doctor will perform routine tests, such as a glucose test to determine your risk for gestational diabetes. You may also be offered the option of genetic testing, such as a nuchal translucency screening and amniocentesis to determine the risk of your child having a genetic or chromosomal disorder. Make sure you are prepared for each test and screening, so you know what it is your doctor is doing and can ask any questions you might have.

It's during this time that you will likely also have the option of finding out your baby's gender. Your 20 week appointment will come quickly, so sit down with your partner and decide if you want to find out the sex. Finding out before your little one arrives can help when deciding on a nursery theme and what to register for, but it's a personal decision that you and your partner should discuss together. If you decide to wait, these gender-predicting old wives' tales are a fun way to "predict" what you're having and will make playing the waiting game a little easier.

Q: Which food from the "banned" list do you miss the most?

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